Mayra Mukhamedkyzy

Mayra Mukhamedkyzy (also known as Mayra Kerey) is a Kazakh opera singer (soprano), the first Kazakh soloist of the Paris Grand Opera. She was born on September 5, 1969 in Kulja, China, into a musical family: her father was a famous composer and collector of Kazakh folk songs, her mother was a singer and People's Artist of China. 

In 1987, Mayra graduated from the music department of the Central University of Nationalities of China, and then from the Beijing Conservatory. In 1994, she moved to Kazakhstan, where she became a soloist of the Abay State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Almaty. In 1998, she took third place at the International Tchaikovsky Competition, becoming the first laureate from Kazakhstan. 

In 2002, Mayra signed a two-year contract with the Paris Grand Opera, where she debuted in Puccini's opera La Boheme as Musetta. She also performed at the Washington Opera at the invitation of Placido Domingo, performing a role in Tchaikovsky's opera The Maid of Orleans. Her repertoire includes parts in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore, Meyerbeer's L'Africaine and others. 

In December 2015, Mayra was invited to Astana Opera as a leading soloist. She is a laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2008) and a knight of the Order of Otan (2020). In 2024, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of Kazakhstan. 

Mayra Mukhamedkyzy is married to Aksan Askhat-uly, a two-time Asian motocross champion and ten-time Chinese motorcycle racing champion. The couple has a daughter, Aida, born on February 2, 2012. 

Her work is highly appreciated by critics and the public for her bright, crystal clear voice and artistry. Mayra continues to actively perform on the international opera stage, representing Kazakh art.

In 2024, Mayra Mukhamedkyzy took part in the referendum in Kazakhstan, casting her vote at a polling station located in the opera and ballet theater in Shymkent. 

Her contribution to the development of opera art and the popularization of Kazakh culture on the international stage is significant and deserves recognition.